2026–2027 season. Tryout registration is open. Tryouts begin Monday, November 9, 2026, at Spring Hill. Tryout day and timing signup is open.
Getting started
- Complete tryout registration for the new season.
- Use the tryout day signup to select a day/time and requested events for your timed tryout. Initial registration does not reserve a slot.
- Watch this site and team communications for the final details and roster announcements.
Tryout schedule
Tryouts start Monday, November 9, 2026, at Spring Hill.
- Swim: Monday–Thursday, November 9–12, 3:30–4:30 PM.
- Dive: Monday, November 9, and Tuesday, November 10, 4:30–5:45 PM with Coach Leigh-Anne. Divers should bring a list of dives they can legally perform and be ready to show Coach Leigh-Anne the dives they can confidently perform.
Tryout day and timing signup is open. Swimmers will select when they would like to attend and which events they would like to swim. Initial registration does not reserve a slot.
Swim attendance: One evaluation day is required. Swimmers may attend up to three total days for additional opportunities. Contact Coach Phil before tryouts if the signup cannot accommodate your requested days.
Diving: Divers should indicate whether they will attend Monday, Tuesday, or both. A third dive tryout day can be arranged during practice the following week. Divers who would like another opportunity should request it from Coach Leigh-Anne. Divers should bring a list of dives they can legally perform and be ready to show Coach Leigh-Anne the dives they can confidently perform.
What to expect at tryouts
Cuts will likely be necessary for swimming. Registering or attending tryouts does not guarantee a place on the team.
Swimmers will complete a timed 50 freestyle and one 100 choice during tryout week. Optional 50 choice and additional 100 choice events are time permitting only. Daily signup limits are 40 swimmers and 15 divers.
Before participating
A current VHSL physical must be on file and school athletic registration and eligibility clearance must be completed before participation. This team signup does not replace school registration.
Evaluation criteria
Coaches will explain selection criteria and expectations before tryouts begin. Evaluation considers timed swims, demonstrated skills, team event needs and roster capacity. Previous club, travel, select or AAU participation is not a selection requirement or advantage in itself. Cut standards will be available to athletes and parents upon request.
If illness or injury prevents attendance, contact the coaches about a later evaluation when healthy; three makeup days are not guaranteed. Other makeups are at coach discretion. If coaches request evaluation beyond three days, they will explain the criteria when notifying the athlete.
Roster selections
Coaches will make final roster decisions and inform swimmers and families about selections when more information is available.
Prepare for the season
School and team requirements apply before and throughout participation.
- Plan for a commitment to practices, meets, and supporting teammates in both swimming and diving.
- Share known availability conflicts with coaches through the registration form.
- Keep academics a priority and treat teammates, coaches, competitors, and officials with respect.
- A current VHSL physical, completed school athletic registration and eligibility clearance are required before participation. Team registration does not replace these steps.
Read the team rules and lettering requirements, including the linked McLean Athletics Handbook.
These timed swimming requirements apply to swimmers. See the dive tryout schedule above.
Questions? Contact Coach Phil.
See the projected auto and cut times based on last year’s results. These are planning estimates, not guaranteed roster places or final cuts.
Team size and seniors
The team can take up to 35 boys and 35 girls in swimming, plus 6 boys and 6 girls in diving. Swimming cuts may be needed.
We encourage every senior to stay involved. As a general policy, we do not cut seniors from the team unless they tell us they are not invested in the team this year and would rather give their spot to a younger swimmer or diver. Seniors must still meet school eligibility, conduct and team commitment requirements.
Swimming at meets
Making the team does not guarantee that a swimmer will swim at meets. We strive to get everyone into at least one relay at every meet and to give every swimmer a chance to swim an individual event at least once during the season. Meet lineups depend on the available events and coaching decisions.
Managers are part of MSD
We also need at least 10 committed team managers. Positions are open to students in grades 8–12. Learn about managing and apply.